Phyllis Newbill
grew up in her family's small town rental store, which is arguably the original makerspace. It had tools, random materials, and available expertise. She studied theatre, geology, English, and engineering geosciences before getting her PhD in instructional design and technology. Her work includes supporting schools in their relationship with Virginia Tech, and supporting maker spaces in area schools. She worked with Giles County Public Schools to build and evaluate a makerspace in an elementary school library. She also directs the Virginia Tech Science Festival and serves as liaison between Virginia Tech and the Science Museum of Western Virginia.